Have you ever noticed that some houses stand out more than others? It could be the size, shape, colors, landscaping, or an unusual feature. Something catches your eye. Maybe it’s the window style, the front door, a veranda, or an interesting roof line. Sometimes, it’s not one thing, but the combination of everything that makes a house stand out.

What gives a house above average appeal? The size of the house alone doesn’t matter. Neither does the size of the lot. But the relationship of the house to the lot is crucial. A large mansion closely confined by property lines looks out of place, but on a country estate, it’s quite impressive. Conversely, a small house seems dwarfed by a large lot, but can be attractive when well placed on a modest lot.

For best visual results, the house should suit the lot. While it’s possible to take many standard houses and place them on various average lots, customizing the house to the lot shape and topography ensures a better looking finished product.

A natural flow from ground to building is desirable. The house should grow out of the landscape, rather than appear to be dropped in place from above. The setting should lead your eye along the ground to a focal point on the house, such as the main entry or the living room window.

Coordinate the landscape design with the house geometry. This visually links the ground and the house, unifying the overall appearance. If there is a bay window, echo the projection on the ground nearby with planters or greenery. Highlight the path to the main entrance, or frame the front door, with natural or built landscape features. Design the setting as if you were painting a picture. In your mind, view the scene from a distance, and from different angles.

How do the windows relate to each other? Are they placed haphazardly, or is there an overall scheme which ties all the windows together? Using windows of the same style helps, but the configuration is most important. On a two story house, the upper and lower windows may line up vertically, or if of different widths, be centered over one another. On the same floor, the heads of all windows can align horizontally, forming a continuous line of trims around the house.

Using trims of the same style throughout is one way to create a design theme. Accent the windows, doors, eaves and corners with trims, and choose a contrasting color for maximum effect.

How will the house appear at night? The strategic placement of lights at entrances, walkways and under the eaves heightens the sense of drama. Exterior lighting not only enhances the architectural features, but improves walking safety and security.

Using the most expensive building materials does not guarantee architectural success. The secret lies in the arrangement of the materials. The same quantity of materials that compose a house can be assembled in an infinite number of ways. But how many combinations actually work, and look good? The quality of the design determines the outcome of the finished product.

When a house makes you pause for a second look, it has the architectural touch. The design was thought about in detail before construction. The components were organized to give a picturesque look, possibly even a sculptural quality. Architectural design is the magic that makes a house special.

If you know the difference between music and noise, you have some understanding of the distinction between architecture and the average building. The combination of colors, shapes, materials and textures all work together in harmony. It’s organization, both practically and visually.

You need not live in a house that’s a carbon copy of many others, you can express your individuality. But a comprehensive approach to design is required. So before investing in a set of ornate Greek columns, with the hope of attaining architectural grandeur, ask the question – will they suit the house, or appear as a false facade? It takes more than a few fancy frills to achieve visual success. Look at the overall scheme of things!

THE VALUE OF DESIGN

The value of having your house designed by an architect may seem questionable, when hundreds of standard plans are readily available. However, a standard plan may only approximate your true needs. Frequently, standard plans must be modified to suit individual preferences and local climate.

When a house is designed by an architect, only the specific requirements of one client are taken into account, not the raw economic motive of selling mass produced standard plans. The value of an architect’s design lies in your ultimate satisfaction with the house, both practically and visually.

A package of building components, when crafted by an architect, take on a value greater than the simple sum of material and labor costs. This increased value is reflected in the higher selling prices of homes designed by architects.

If originality is important to you, consider using the personalized services offered by an architect, rather than purchasing blueprints for an oft constructed standard plan. An architect will make your dreams come to life, first on paper, then for real in constructed form.